A BOOK inspired by brave children with life-threatening illnesses aims to raise valuable funds for Irish charities this Christmas.
The Frozen Fairy’s Magical Quest, written by Limerick native, Alexis O’Sullivan, chronicles the adventures of a fairy and her friends as they go on a quest to find some hair after she has lost hers as a result of a magical spell.
Alexis was moved to write the book after spending time with sick children and their families in her role as a volunteer with Children in Hospital Ireland. Each of the book’s fifteen characters are based on real-life children that Alexis met while volunteering.
Having received the blessing of the parents of the children involved, Alexis spent two years working on the book which, since its release last week, has sold more than 300 copies.
“I’m delighted to say it’s all been worth it,” she said. “We’ve had a fantastic response from the parents, who all seem to be blown away by it. All the profits raised will go to two great charities and it’s a story which would touch anyone, so I hope it becomes a big hit as we get closer to Christmas.”
The charities in question are Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, which supports families and children who are fighting cancer, and Sophie’s Journey Foundation, which supports families and children who are living with life limiting conditions.
The founder of Sophie’s Journey Foundation, Liam Mulcahy, was one of the parents who agreed to have his child feature in the book.
Sophie Mulcahy, a brave little girl who lived in Rhebogue, had the genetic condition 1q43, one of only 40 known cases in the world and she passed away in October 2014. Sophie was born in 2006 and underwent six heart operations within six months. Her condition left her unable to walk or talk but she had her own unique way of communicating with her family.
“It’s a very special story and it was emotional to see the character based on Sophie,” said Mr Mulcahy. “The photos of the children at the end of the book remind people that the kids are real, and for me it reminds me that as parents we are not alone.”
The book can be purchased for €10 locally at The Porcelain Doll in Fox’s Bow. Alternatively you can buy it online at https://www.freewebstore.org/frozen-fairy/The_Frozen_Fairys_Magical_Quest/p4245442_16515147.aspx.
For more information check out the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/frozenfairy1111 where you can read the personal stories of each of the children involved.
